Db witt



(Model.)

DE WITT C. ALBEN'.

HANDGUPP.

Patented Nov. 8, 1887.

l l l l F p l ffiww @W -spring-actuated endwise-moving rod, which handle D secured to one end and the two con- V,ward for the purpose of opening the jaws by the pressure of the palm of the hand against A UNITED STATES DE WITT C. ALDEN, O

F BATH, NEW YORK.

HANDCUFF.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 372.836, dated November 8, 1887.

Application tiled September 12, 1887. Serial No. 249,460. (Model.)

To all whom it may concern: i.

B e it known that I, DE Wrr'r C. ALBEN, o Bath, in the county of Steuben and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Handcuffs; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use it, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification.

My invention relates to an improvement in handcuffs; and it consists in the combination of a suitable framework or inclosing-case, a

has an operating-handle connected to one end and connecting-rods to the'other, and the jaws of the cuff, which are pivoted inr the frame and connected to the connecting-rods, as will be more fully described hereinafter.

The object of my invention is to provide a handcuff, the jaws of which can be instantly opened by forcing a handle-rod endwise, and which will automatically close as soon as the handle is released and lock themselves in position, so that they cannot be opened until the catch is moved so as to allow the handle-rod to again be forced endwise.

Figure l is a plan view of a cuft' embodying my invention, one-half of the frame-work being removed. Fig. 2 is alongitudinal section taken at right angles to Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a perspective of one of the jaws by itself.

A represents a suitable inclosingcase or frame-work, which is preferably made in two parts, and which is provided with the hooks or projections B, behind which two of the ngers will catch when thev handle-rod is to be moved endwise for the purpose of opening the two jaws. Extending through this'framework is the endwise-moving rod C, which has the necting-rods E tothe other. Around this rod is placed the spring F, which has one end to bear against a pin, G, which projects from the side of the rod, and its other end to bear against a shoulder, H, which is formed inside of the frame A. When this handle-rod is forced inthe handle, while two of the lingers catch over the hooks or projections B, the spring is compressed between the shoulder and the pin; but as soon as the pressure of the hand is released thespringinstantly forces the rod outward and closes the jaws.

The connecting-rods pivoted to the inner end ofthe endwisemoving handlerod extend outward in opposite directions, and each one has its outer end to catch over a stud or projection, I, formed upon the inner side of the plate J, which forms the inner end of each of the jaws L.A These two plates have openings through their centers, and through the inner end of the frame A and these two plates is passed the pivotal screw N, which both serves as a pivot upon which the jaws turn and as a means for securing the inner ends of the two parts of the frame rigidly together. The studs or projections upon the inner sides ofthe plates 'are placed to one side of its center, so that when the handle-rod is forced end wise through the frame the connecting-rods exert either a push upon the plate for the purpose of opening the jaws or a pull upon them for the purpose of closing them. `Whether a push or a pull is exerted upon the plate 5,they are caused to turn upon the pivotal screw, and thus either open or close the jaws. One of the jaws is provided with a guiding-loop, P, upon its end, so as to receive the end of the other jaw, and thus connect the ends of the two jaws together when they are closed, in such a manner as to both strengthen them, to cause them to always move on a line with each other, and hold them together while closed.

The outer ends of the two parts of the frame are secured together by means of a screw-cap, Q, which passes over the rod, and which has a suitable notch or notches formed in one side, so that the spring-actuated catch R will catch therein. This catch R is pivoted in a recess which is made in the side of the outer end of theendwise-moving handle-rod,andhas formed upon the outer end thereof a roughened projecting surface, against which the thumb catches for the purpose of forcing theinner serrated end inward against the pressure of the spring S, and thus bring the inner end of said catch in a line with the side of `the rod IOO and allow the rod to be forced inward for the purpose of opening the jaws. As soon as the handle-rod is forced outward by its spring, thus closing the jaws, the inner end of the catch is forced outward by its spring S, so as to catch against the end of the frame A and prevent the jaws from being opened by the prisoner, as might otherwise be the case. As long as this catch engages the end of the frame the jaws cannot be opened, because the catch prvents any endwise movement of the handlero This handcuff is especially adapted forleading` prisoners through the streets or detaining them in any place or at any time.

Having thus described my invention, I claim- The combination of the frame A, provided with the projections B upon opposite sides, the endwisemoving handle-rod provided with a pin or projection, the two connecting-rods, which extend in opposite directions, the pivoted jaws provided with plates and pins upon their inner ends, the spring which is placed around the handle-rod, and a spring-catch which is recessed in the sideof the handlerod and adapted to engage with the frame A, substantially as specified.

In testimony whereof I aiix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

DE WITT C. ALDEN.

Witnesses:

Trios. R. RUTHERFORD, J. A. CoNRoY. 

